Dog walkers have hit out at a move which will see them banned from land they've walked on for years, from march 1.The area where dog walkers take their animals on Stimpson's Piece in Reepham has been reduced by the charity, which owns and manages the land.

Dog walkers have hit out at a move which will see them banned from land they've walked on for years, from march 1.

The area where dog walkers take their animals on Stimpson's Piece in Reepham has been reduced by the charity, which owns and manages the land.

It says dog mess could cause illness and even blindness, and because the land is now being used by more people and has more facilities, the shake-up was necessary, but could be reviewed.

A skate park is currently being built, a youth shelter has recently been created, there is a play area and a multi-use games area and youth football clubs use the fields.

However, dog walker Anna Rose said her and 25 others who have signed a petition have been relegated to a small end of the site which gets boggy.

“We have used Stimpson's Piece everyday for years,” she said. “Most people clean up after their dogs and worm them so there is minimal health risk.

“We now only have the last third of the site, which is boggy and its not enough space.

“It was given to the people of Reepham for pleasure after the Second World War to thank the people for their efforts.”

There was also land at nearby Casu Park dog walkers could use, and the nearby Marriott's Way.

“We have got to be even handed to all residents and users of Stimpson's Piece and we consider the decision made a fair compromise,” said Trevor Bevan, chairman of Reepham Town Council, which is sole trustee of the charity.

The decision would be reviewed, he said, and anyone wanting to object or have their say about the land should write to the trustees at the town council.